Antiviral Protection by IFITM3 In Vivo.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose of review

Interferon-induced transmembrane protein 3 (IFITM3) is a cellular restriction factor that blocks fusion between virus and host membranes. Here, we provide an introduction to IFITM3 and the biochemical regulation underlying its antiviral activity. Further, we analyze and summarize the published literature examining phenotypes of IFITM3 knockout mice upon infections with viral pathogens and discuss the controversial association between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the human IFITM3 gene and severe virus infections.

Recent findings

Recent publications show that IFITM3 knockout mice experience more severe pathologies than wild-type mice in diverse virus infections, including infections with influenza A virus, West Nile virus, Chikungunya viru

SUBMITTER: Zani A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6334760 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature